Because tackle football comes with a higher risk of injury, many kids start with flag football, a safer, fast-growing option more parents are choosing. It teaches the basics without the heavy contact.
But if a young athlete wants to pursue football long-term and has NFL aspirations, transitioning to tackle football eventually becomes necessary. That switch isn’t just about putting on pads, but more about adjusting mentally, physically, and technically.
Influencer coach Grant of First Down Training shared his expert take on how to make that jump the right way, step by step.
Getting Comfortable In Taking Hits
One of the biggest adjustments from flag to tackle football is learning to handle contact without losing focus or the ball.
Coach Grant suggests that starting early with controlled contact in drills is the key. “You’re doing footwork drills at wide receiver, have somebody give you some contact. You’re throwing as a quarterback, have somebody hit you,” he explains.
The idea is to build comfort with physical play while still doing your job. He compares it to boxing: “The fighter doesn’t just do bag work… they must spar.” Without that, you’re not ready when the real hits start flying.
Getting Used to the Gear
Making the jump from flag football to tackle means strapping into full gear: helmet, pads, and pants. And let’s be real, it can feel awkward and heavy at first. But according to Coach Grant, “You just need to train with it frequently. I think that’s the best way to get used to it.”
While not everyone can afford top-tier equipment, Grant advises: “If you can afford it, go down to an academy, get a cheap pair of pads, a cheap pair of helmet just so you get used to the weight of it and train with it on.”
Once you’ve got the gear, practice in it; footwork, cutting, or route-running drills, so your body adapts. The helmet, Grant says, is often the most challenging part: “I think the helmet’s the hardest thing to get used to, if I’m being honest.” His tip? Wear it around the house even while watching TV, until it feels normal. The discomfort and the frequent headaches fade with time.
As for pads in hot weather, Grant shares a pro trick: “Use a cold, wet towel through your pads and around your neck during practice,” especially when it’s 100° out.
Hydration Tips for Tackle Football Players
Unlike flag football, tackle football pushes your body much harder with more gear, more hitting, and a lot more sweat. “So, you need to make sure you stay hydrated,” says Coach Grant. “Drinking water is the best way to go about it.” But if you’re looking to bounce back quicker and keep your body in peak shape, he suggests two simple but powerful hydration hacks.
First up, baking soda. “You want to take a very very very small amount of baking soda… what it’s going to do is… it helps with electrolytes in your body. It helps you hydrate faster. It helps you deal with cramps.” It may sound odd, but Grant swears by its effectiveness. However, it is crucial to do so in moderation and under professional guidance.
If you’re not feeling the baking soda idea, try his second go-to: Celtic salt. “I take this everyday to this day,” he says. Just “take a little pinch of Celtic salt, put it in your water. It has a mineral in it called magnesium. And magnesium actually helps with energy, and it also helps your body again with hydration.”
In short, transitioning to tackle football means more physical stress, so hydration isn’t just helpful, it’s crucial. Listen to your body and your healthcare professional, try what works best for you, and stay ahead of the game.